An architect is pushing back on plans to demolish Wellington's Gordon Wilson Flats - on the Terrace.

They were built in the late 1950s and have heritage status for being relatively unique social housing.

Housing Minister Chris Bishop has intervened to let owners, Victoria University, demolish the building, which it'll replace with student accommodation.

Architect Ken Davis says it's part of our cultural heritage.

"If we pull it down, we're destroying some existing viable housing units that already exist - they only need to be refurbished." 

LISTEN ABOVE

• ‘Should be restored’: Heritage advocates cry foul as Gordon Wilson Flats face demo
• Chris Bishop: Housing Minister on new legislation allowing demolition of the Gordon Wilson flats